University of Nairobi orders audit after protests

The University of Nairobi yesterday ordered an internal audit of operations of the students' organisation.

Vice Chancellor Peter Mbithi said the contested students' elections will also be audited. The VC also hinted at the possibility of amending the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) constitution to lock out 'career students' from university politics.

"A (university) Senate committee comprising senior staff with powers to incorporate other key stakeholders has been appointed," Prof Mbithi said.

Mbithi said his administration was determined to root out criminal elements.

"We must end a trend where students continue to be students. And this shall include a review of the SONU constitution to seal the indiscipline gaps," Mbithi said.

The Vice Chancellor, however, said no students had complained that they were raped by police officers during the violent protests.

"I have not received reports of rape. I have not received reports of serious injuries. All the students with soft tissue injuries were treated and discharged," said Mbithi.

His statement comes a day after a group of former university students leaders asked the university to conduct a thorough audit of SONU accounts.

Led by Moses Oburu, the group demanded nullification of the elections and the setting up of a caretaker committee.